FREE In Waco: A Visit To The Baylor Bear Habitat
Who doesn’t love something free to do in Waco? After you’ve spent all your $ shopping at Magnolia Market, you might be looking for some free activities or some fun stuff to do with the kids. Enter: The Baylor Bear Habitat, which is so beloved it even has its own instagram account.
The Baylor Bear Habitat has been around since they brought black bears to the campus in 1917. Yes, there are live bears inside this habitat! After all, bears are the official mascot of Baylor University, so it only makes sense to have a few of them on campus. You can visit them any day of the week from 9:30 am - 6 pm…totally FREE!
(There’s always a chance the bears will be off-site for training or a habitat cleaning, FYI.)
Baylor emphasizes over and over again that they work really hard to provide comfortable living conditions for these bears. They’re rigorous with the cleaning schedule, off-site enrichment, exercise…they even have a nutritionist making sure the bears are getting the proper fuel 2X every single day!)
The Bill And Eva Williams Bear Habitat
It’s really beautiful! Baylor landscaped it nicely, with lots of shade, places to sit, and an overall aesthetically-pleasing space.
Once you walk up to the bear habitat, there are plenty of spaces to view the bears. There’s a massive window that goes all the way to the ground so kids can see easily, and there’s a pathway around the edge of the habitat to make sure there’s space for everyone.
You can get lots of info and tidbits about Belle and Indy, the two new bear cubs who were brought to Baylor in 2023. You’ll honestly learn more about black bears than you probably ever cared to learn…
How Long Should I Spend At The Baylor Bear Habitat?
If it’s a nice day, 30 minutes would be plenty! (On really hot days? Honestly a 10 minute trip is about all I can handle before I want air conditioning!)
Want a souvenir on your way out? They have a penny press!
Is The Baylor Bear Habitat Worth Visiting?
Totally. (Especially with kids!) I mean, it’s pretty cool to just be walking through a college campus and see two giant BEARS! You can get really close up to them and get a great view, which is a pretty memorable experience. It’s 100% one of the best things to do in Waco.
And since this habitat is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they’re legit. They make sure the bears have a nice place to live and a nice lifestyle.
Is There Anything To Do Nearby?
You can plan other campus activities, like a walk through Baylor’s campus or visiting the Mayborn, one of the best museums in Waco that’s conveniently located on Baylor’s campus. If you’re looking for something to eat, here are the best local Waco restaurants near Baylor.
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Is There Parking At The Baylor Bear Habitat?
No, not right by it. There’s literally no parking for visitors at the Baylor Bear Habitat by the Baylor Bear Habitat, so plan on having a rideshare or your person drop you off if you’re unable to walk a couple of blocks. However, there is free parking for Baylor visitors in a few locations. The best option is the covered 5th street garage at the Baylor Bookstore (1201 S 5th St, Waco TX).
WEBSITE | M P Daniel Esplanade, Waco, TX 76706, United States